The 15 Natural Attractions In Arkansas You Need To Visit In 2017
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J.B. VanDyke
Author
Arkansans understand why Arkansas is called the Natural State. It’s not some great mystery; it’s just that when it comes to natural places, we’re the best. It makes sense, then, that a lot of the articles written about Arkansas on this website would also be about natural places. Below you’ll find fifteen of those places, in no particular order. These fifteen places are just what you need to have all the exploration and adventure you could possibly want in the coming year.
To read whole articles about these places, click on the names of the destinations.
Hawksbill Crag, also called Whitaker Point, is one of the most photographed spots in the whole of the Natural State, and that’s because the views from there are absolutely breathtaking. Hawksbill Crag has been named the best place to get kissed, the best place to be proposed to, and was featured in the opening scene of the movie Tuck Everlasting. You can find directions to Hawksbill Crag here.
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The highest point in Arkansas is Mount Magazine, and the overlooks there really can’t be matched. In addition to soaring views that go on forever, you’ll find magical trails, a stunning lodge, and totally picturesque Cove Lake. Mount Magazine State Park is an absolute must see, and it’s located at 577 Lodge Drive in Paris.
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Louisiana Purchase State Park is a hauntingly beautiful swamp with some seriously cool history. The marker for the starting point of the Louisiana Purchase Survey Expedition is deep in that swamp, but you don’t have to muddy your shoes to find it. They’ve built an amazing boardwalk there that allows you to explore the swamp from the comfort of extensive decking. The best time of year to visit this swamp is immediately after a frost, as the mosquitoes will be thick in warm weather, so thick that those mosquitoes may carry you to your leader. This state park is located on AR-362 in Holly Grove, just a few minutes from Brinkley.
The Buffalo National River was the first river in America to be federally protected as a national river, because it’s so incredibly beautiful. This river is a fantastic place to unwind. The fishing is fantastic, the float trips are sublime, and the bluffs are an absolute dream. Yes, it is popular, but don’t you think you ought to go find out why?
The Flatside Wilderness Area is 9,451 acres, surrounded by five mountains and brimming with natural wonder. This central Arkansas wilderness is rugged, but it’s also incredible. You’ll want to make sure you’re adequately supplied for your adventure, you’ll especially want to pack plenty of water. You can find directions here.
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If you’re dreaming of a paradise, the Richland Creek Wilderness Area will make those dreams come true. In the nearly twelve thousand acres there, you’re going to find waterfalls hiding everywhere. From the sublime Six Finger Falls to the hilariously named Fuzzybutt Falls, every waterfall there is like a waking dream. You can find directions to the Richland Creek Wilderness Area here.
Arkansas’s oldest state park is located on Petit Jean Mountain, and it’s one you absolutely have to visit. It’s a totally enchanting place, home to miles and miles of trails, the stunning 95 foot Cedar Falls, and overlooks that just can’t be beat. Petit Jean State Park is located at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road in Morrilton.
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One of the dreamiest places in the Natural State is Devil’s Den State Park. With tons of trails through the Ozark National Forest, a picture perfect spillway, and structures dating back to the 1930s, Devil’s Den State Park will keep you in a state of wonder for the whole of your visit. Devil’s Den is located at 11333 AR-74 in West Fork.
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Waterfall swimming hole? Yes please! Natural Dam is a scenic spot to visit year round, especially after a period of heavy rain, but in the summer it’s got a little something extra. You see, there’s a pool above the falls that becomes the perfect swimming hole during the hotter months. It can get a little crowded on the weekends, but it’s the perfect place to cool off. Directions to Natural Dam are here.
How about we explore the epic woods of Middle Earth, where the hobbits and elves from the Lord of the Rings have epic adventures? At White Rock Mountain you can find all the wonder of that land, and so much more. If the category were "most epic natural place in the Natural State," White Rock Mountain would have my vote every time. If you want directions, click here.
You’ll notice a trend on this list: mountains. That’s because Arkansas has a ton of scenic mountains. We definitely shouldn’t neglect the valleys of the Natural State, though. One valley you absolutely need to see is Boxley Valley. You’re going to be incredibly impressed by its appeal. Click here for a map to Boxley Valley.
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Blanchard Spring begins in a waterfall that spills from Blanchard Spring Caverns and ends in lovely Mirror Lake and its gorgeous two-tiered waterfall formed from the dam built by the CCC. Exploring this area will definitely fill you with wonder and opportunities to camp, fish, and wade. Blanchard Spring is located just a few miles north of Mountain View.
Arkansas’s top rated outdoor attraction is located in Hot Springs, but it isn’t the springs themselves. It’s a 210 acre botanical garden managed by the University of Arkansas. This impeccably landscaped wonder has bridges, a canopy walk, manmade waterfalls, and, of course, totally lovely plants. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located at 550 Arkridge Road in Hot Springs.
Thrillist named Kings River the most underrated place in Arkansas, and they’re not wrong that this place is glorious and little known. With attractions like Kings River Falls along with a chance at lazy floating and fantastic fishing, Kings River is definitely a place you need to know and visit as soon as the weather is nicer.
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If you’ve never heard of Felsenthal Wildlife Refuge, that’s because it’s the most remote spot in Arkansas. It’s also huge. 65,000 acres, in fact. And if you want a place to get away from it all, you can’t do any better than the most remote place in the Natural State, right? Felsenthal Wildlife Refuge is located about eight miles west of Crossett.
For a natural wonders road trip, click here. To find all the road trips you should take in Arkansas, check out these. You could also check out these articles for the things you need to eat and the places you need to visit this year.
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